Why did Jesus command His followers to participate in what we call the Lord's Supper or Communion? Because He wants us to remember His death on the cross and to anticipate His return.

As He broke the bread centuries ago, He said, "Do this in remembrance of Me" (1 Cor. 11:24). And taking the cup, He instructed, "This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me" (v.25).

The bread reminds us that the Second Person of the Trinity "became flesh and dwelt among us" (Jn. 1:14) so that He could bear our sins in His body on the cross (1 Pet. 2:24). The cup symbolizes the blood He shed "for the remission of sins" (Mt. 26:28).

We must be careful, therefore, not to partake of the elements "in an unworthy manner" (1 Cor. 11:27). The apostle Paul said that each person should "examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup" (v.28). When we gather around the Lord's Table to remember Christ's sacrifice for us, we should search our hearts and confess our sins to God.

May we who know Jesus Christ as our Savior obey His commands and faithfully observe the Lord's Supper--"till He comes" (v.26).  — Richard De Haan